Survivors still encouraged to report abuse

FOR CITY TIMES

MADISON — Attorney General Josh Kaul and Waushara County District Attorney Matthew Leusink announced April 13 that Remington Jon Nystrom, age 33, has pleaded no contest to Second-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child for an incident that occurred in 2009.

The case stems from a report made to the Attorney General’s Clergy and Faith Leader initiative. As part of the plea agreement, Nystrom agreed that the criminal complaint, which described the defendant inappropriately touching a 10-year-old male victim while the defendant was a camp counselor at Mount Morris in Waushara, is what happened. The victim in this case had not reported the assault to either church or legal authorities prior to reporting to the AG’s website for clergy and faith leader abuse.

“This conviction was possible because of the bravery of the survivor who reported this crime and the commitment of professionals in the criminal justice system to holding the defendant accountable,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “We encourage anyone with information about clergy and faith leader abuse to make a report to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.”

Survivors of clergy or faith leader abuse, their friends and family, or anyone who has information about how a religious organization has responded to reported abuse, are encouraged to report that information to DOJ either online at SupportSurvivors.widoj.gov or by calling 1-877-222-2620.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department. Victim services were provided by the Waushara County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Waushara County District Attorney Matthew Leusink.

Nystrom could face up to 40 years in prison, a $100,000 fine or both. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18.